The Fall of Man
What does the Bible teach about the Fall of Man?
The Bible teaches that Adam committed the original sin. This sin was the worst and most catastrophic event in the history of the world. As a result, all of creation was cursed. The Fall was an outright rebellion against God’s command that brought sin and death into the world (Romans 5:12), something inherently tragic.
Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people
Romans 5:18a
What does Mormonism teach about the Fall of Man?
Mormonism teaches that Adam and Eve’s "fortunate fall" was a necessary part of God’s plan resulting in great blessings for man—the right to choose between good and evil, the ability to have children, and the opportunity to gain eternal life. In Mormonism, Adam fell that man might have joy.
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
2 Nephi 2:22-25 (Book of Mormon)
Why This Matters
At first glance, eating a piece of fruit may not seem serious, but the Fall shows us how deadly all sin truly is. It reveals that sin isn’t a harmless mistake but rebellion against a holy God. Even one sin brings guilt and separation because it violates the very nature of God’s perfect will.
The Fall didn’t bring opportunity; instead, it brought death, shame, and brokenness. Yet even in that moment of failure, God didn’t walk away. He sought out Adam and Eve, clothed them, and gave them a promise: a Savior would come to crush the serpent and restore what sin had ruined.
Mormonism teaches that the Fall was necessary because it opened the door to joy, growth, and even God’s plan of salvation. But the Bible tells a different story: joy, peace, and eternal life come in spite of the Fall, not because of it. They are not the result of human effort but of divine rescue.
If the Fall were simply a step upward, we might believe we can climb our way back to God. But if the Fall broke everything, as the Bible teaches, then only God can put it back together. This is exactly what he did by sending Jesus.
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Was the Fall a Good Thing?
Mormonism teaches an upward fall of Adam and Eve that was glorious and courageous. This is a drastic difference from the downward fall described in the Bible.
Summary
Christianity
The fall was the worst and most catastrophic event in the history of the world.
Mormonism
The fall was a good thing. It resulted in great blessings for man.